Before opening, the area was first used for clay extraction pits and kilns for brick making in the 1970s. The design of the park began at that time, with the tennis courts and grass area developed. The reserve was officially opened on 12 April 1976 by The HonTom Uren, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition at that time. Many trees were lost in the park as a result of a severe storm in February 2002. The boardwalk and deck structure was built in 1993, which was designed to allow disabled persons to access the edge of the main lake.
Geography
The reserve is located between Merrylands Road, Paton Street and the Cumberland Highway in Merrylands. The park's landform is made up of two main topographic regions — The northern half slopes gently from Merrylands Road towards the system of lakes in the centre of the park, whilst the section of park's south of the lakes is largely flat, with a small localised rise in elevation opposite of Paton St. Water is pumped from the main lake to an outlet near the Cumberland Highway. The quality of the lake is rather poor. Factors include silt laden runoff entering from adjacent areas, shallow waters, presence of marine animals and lack of reliable water supply to fill the lakes up during dry periods.
Flora
The vegetation of the gardens generally consist of a mixture of remnantindigenous vegetation and planted trees. The most significant area of remnant vegetation, known as Central Gardens Woodland, is located in the northwest corner of the park adjacent to the Cumberland Highway. The Woodland of the park is isolated from other significant areas of vegetation in the region. The Reserve has vegetation species such as Bursaria spinosa, and grasses and herbs species including Lomandra filiformis, Grey Box, Eucalyptus crebra, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Bursaria spinosa, Dillwynia juniperina and Themeda australis. Exotic species include Casuarina glauca, Ulmus parvifolia and Liquidambar styraciflua.
The natural bushland features walking tracks, boardwalk, kiosk, amphitheatre, fountains, ornamental lake system, bird and animal enclosures, also sports ground such as tennis courts and open fields. The reserve is a popular venue for wedding photos and company picnics. Yarrabee and Pinaroo areas may be hired for those large family or company picnics. Other features include hot water tank, sink, toilets, BBQs, picnic tables and dozens of shady trees. Concrete paths meander throughout the park. The lake's water jets help with water aeration, whilst also providing a visual and auditory perspective. A major attribute of the reserve is the exposedsandstonerock face, formed during quarrying operations, when the site was used for brick making. Part of this cliff is used for a large waterfall and is a conspicuous attraction in the park.
Demographics
The 1989 survey indicated that the most popular form of recreation in the park was picnicking and barbequing, with relaxing also a favoured activity. 83% of visitors to the park arrive by car and 15% of visitors by foot. Peak times for visitation occurred between 12 noon and 2pm. The survey found that 56.7% of park users were not residents of the Cumberland local government area.
Access
Bookings, which go through Cumberland Council, are required in order to access the tennis courts. Entry is free. Wheelchair access is available. Restricted access areas include the fenced woodland area, the animal enclosures and the worksdepot. The park is closed on [Christmas day and Good Friday.
